Britain's Biggest 3-Day Annual Muslim Convention Opens Friday

LONDON, September 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Friday 7th- Sunday 9thSeptember 2012, East Worldham, Alton, Hampshire

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community from around the world are gathering in Hampshire for Britain's biggest annual Islamic convention. A record 30,000 are expected from 50 countries at the three day Jalsa Salana, or annual convention, where they will re-affirm their pledge to unequivocally reject violence and extremism, to practice Islam purely as a religion of peace, and to restore it to its true origins as peaceful faith for all people and for all times.

His HolinessHadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, will address delegates providing spiritual guidance and a review of the progress the community has made in the past year.

Politicians, faith and community leaders will also address the delegates and have been sending their messages in support of the unique event.

"The growth of your convention reflects the progress made by your community over the years but what is impressive is how you have maintained a sense of unity and brotherhood throughout."

Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP, the Attorney General said:

"I congratulate you on the steadfastness and dignity that the community has shown in the face of oppression. The British Government is aware of your community's plight abroad and we will continue with our efforts to encourage peaceful co-existence between faith and sectarian groups where there is persecution and intolerance."

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said:

I commend Ahmadiyya Muslim Association's work in promoting community cohesion in London. I welcome the Annual Convention, which brings together people in a spirit of unity, brotherhood and peace"

Rafiq Hayat, National President Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, said:

"What we stand for can be summed up in two key principles - remembering God The Creator and serving His creation. This is our message to the world and one that 30,000 delegates will focus on over the course of this convention. At a time of many conflicts we hope this can inspire peace."

The event will broadcast live around the world on the community's own 24-hour satellite TV, MTA, broadcast on Sky Channel 787.

Ahmadiyya Muslims reject violent jihad as a gross misunderstanding and instead view jihad as a moral crusade to improve one's own faith and goodness. The community built the first London Mosque, and next year will be celebrating 100 years of its establishment in Britain.

NOTE TO EDITORS

This is the 46th Annual Ahmadiyya Muslim Convention to take place in Britain. It will be held over three days (September 7-9, 2012) at a country landsite near Alton, Hampshire, where a temporary village full of marquees is to be setup to host the 30,000 visitors. The key features are:

• Pledging loyalty to Britain

• Raising the Union Jack

• Taking an oath to renounce violence and foster peace

• Key message: Love for All, Hatred for None

• Plans for celebrating 100 years in Britain

• Addresses by worldwide leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community

We are open to interviews, filming and photography before and during the convention. To obtain a press pass for the convention, email or telephone Dr Basharat Nazir, Press Secretary.

Ahmadiyya Muslim branch offices in all major towns and cities of Britain are also available for direct media contact.